What is Dorayaki?
Imagine biting into a soft, golden pancake with a slightly crisp edge, revealing a sweet, velvety red bean filling that melts in your mouth. That’s Dorayaki!
This beloved treat is essentially two fluffy pancakes sandwiched together with a generous amount of anko (sweet red bean paste). It’s been a favorite in Japan for over a century and has even made its way into pop culture, thanks to a certain blue robotic cat (yes, we’re talking about Doraemon!).
Dorayaki vs. Western Pancakes: What’s the Difference?
At first glance, Dorayaki might look like a classic American pancake, but there are a few key differences. While American pancakes are often served in stacks, drenched in syrup and butter, Dorayaki is enjoyed as a self-contained snack, making it perfect for on-the-go treats.
The texture also sets them apart. Dorayaki are slightly denser, thanks to the addition of honey and a unique mixing method that creates an ultra-soft consistency. Plus, the filling makes all the difference! Instead of maple syrup or jam, it features anko, a smooth and subtly sweet red bean paste.
The Story Behind Dorayaki
The name “Dorayaki” (どら焼き) comes from “dora” (銅鑼), which means gong, because these little pancakes resemble the shape of a traditional Japanese gong. According to legend, a wandering samurai once left his gong behind at a farmer’s house, and the farmer later used it to cook pancakes—thus, the Dorayaki was born!
Though its origins might be legendary, one thing is for sure: It’s one of Japan’s most popular sweets! It can be enjoyed as a snack, dessert, or even breakfast (because who wouldn’t want to eat pancakes in the morning?).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super fluffy pancakes with a golden-brown finish
- Only a handful of simple ingredients (that you probably already have!)
- Perfectly balanced sweetness from the honey and anko
- Easy to make at home, no fancy techniques required!
Dorayaki Recipe (Japanese Pancakes)
Description
Discover Dorayaki: a classic Japanese snack made with a smooth, chilled batter and filled with anko (sweet red bean paste). Perfect as a dessert or a sweet treat any time of day.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Mixing the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, white sugar, and honey until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly frothy. -
Sifting Dry Ingredients
Sift the all-purpose flour and baking powder into the egg mixture using a fine-mesh sieve. Stir until you obtain a homogeneous, lump-free batter. -
Resting the Batter
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the batter for 15 minutes. This step helps the batter thicken and develop a lighter, fluffier texture when cooked. -
Cooking the Pancakes
Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Lightly grease the pan with oil using a paper towel or brush. Spoon a small circle of batter into the pan—the batter will naturally spread and puff up as it cooks. Allow the pancake to cook for about 1 minute or until small bubbles appear on the surface. Use a spatula to flip it carefully. -
Assembling the Dorayaki
Place the cooked pancake on a plate. Spread a layer of anko generously on one side, making sure to cover the edges. Top with another pancake to create a sandwich. Repeat the process for the remaining pancakes.